Holding steady.
Popularity of Gennette since 1929
Babies named Gennette per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1951, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gennette's real moment was 1936.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 20 |
| 1940s | 68 |
| 1950s | 65 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gennette is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1929. It reached its peak popularity in 1936, after which its usage declined steadily, becoming virtually extinct in recent decades. The name is likely an American variant of Jeanette or Jenette, both diminutives of Jeanne, the French form of Jane. Gennette never achieved widespread popularity; its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for those seeking an uncommon vintage name. The trajectory has been stable at near-zero usage since the mid-20th century, with no recorded births in the latest year of data, 2025.
Gennette is a variant of Jeanette, a French diminutive of Jeanne, the feminine form of Jean (John). John derives from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. The name entered English usage through French influence, and Gennette emerged as a less common spelling variant in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Its peak usage occurred in the 1930s, after which it declined steadily.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Genna, Nettie, Jenny
Sibling names for Gennette
Names that share Gennette's style, for a brother or sister.
